Caught Up in the Clouds

1 Thessalonians 4:14-18
For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.  Therefore encourage one another with these words.

One evening last week, Tim and I traveled west on SR 32. As the sun prepared to set, it reflected gold and pink on whispy clouds against an azure blue sky. The result was spectacular.  I am constantly amazed at the beauty God shares. As I watched the gold clouds brighten, I couldn’t help but think about Jesus returning in magnificent splendor with the saints who have gone before.

In Thessalonians, Paul paints an exciting picture of Jesus return. There’s both comfort and amazement in his words. He reminded the readers that those who followed Jesus and had passed away would come back with their Savior. What a joy to know I’ll see loved ones again. How inspiring to know that Jesus will come from heaven to take his own. Paul’s words encourage me to continue to follow my Lord. I hope they encourage you as well. Praise God for his perfect plan.